Steel Tip Darts
Steel Dart Points – The Right Dart Points for Your Setup
Steel dart points, often referred to as steel points or dart points, are the metal tips of a steel dart and ensure that the dart reliably sticks in the sisal dartboard. In addition to classic smooth points, there are now numerous variants with different lengths, colors, coatings, and grip profiles.
In this category, you will find classic steel dart points for pressing into the barrel. Unlike modern interchangeable point systems, these points are exchanged with a dart repointer or point changer and then firmly pressed into the barrel.
At Diplomatgames, you will find a large selection of steel dart points for various dart setups – from simple smooth points to elaborately milled points with additional finger or board grip.
What are classic steel dart points?
In a classic steel dart, the point is pressed directly into the designated hole in the barrel. This creates a firm connection between the barrel and the point.
This construction has been proven for decades and is still used in numerous steel darts.
The main advantages:
- wide selection of points
- various lengths
- numerous grip profiles
- different colors and coatings
- stable fit in the barrel
- individual customization of the dart setup
Difference to steel dart interchangeable points
Classic steel dart points should not be confused with modern interchangeable point systems.
With classic points, the tip is mechanically pressed into the barrel. Therefore, a repointer is usually required for replacement.
With interchangeable point systems, the tip is loosened and replaced with a special tool.
| Classic Steel Dart Points | Interchangeable Points |
|---|---|
| are pressed into the barrel | are screwed in or out depending on the system |
| repointer required for changing | special point tool |
| universal design for many classic barrels | system-dependent compatibility |
| very large selection | only suitable for the respective system |
For example, if your dart uses Target Swiss Point, BULL'S CP Points, Harrows Quick Points, Shot Turbo Points, or Winmau Switch Points, you will need the corresponding interchangeable points and not classic points to press in.
What types of steel dart points are there?
Steel dart points differ not only visually. Length, surface, and shape can influence how the dart sits in the board and how the complete setup feels during play.
The most important variants include:
- smooth steel dart points
- grooved points
- points with finger grip
- points with board grip
- coated dart points
- points with a smooth transition to the barrel
- various point lengths
Which variant works best depends heavily on personal throwing style.
Smooth Steel Dart Points
Smooth points are the classic variant. They have little to no surface texture and offer a neutral playing feel.
They are particularly suitable for players who:
- do not place a finger on the point
- do not require additional point grip
- prefer a classic dart point
- want to put as little strain as possible on the dartboard
However, a completely smooth and highly polished point may offer less grip in the sisal depending on the dartboard. In this case, the surface can be carefully roughened with a suitable sharpening stone.
Steel Dart Points with Board Grip
With board grip points, there is a texture in the front area of the point that penetrates the sisal.
Depending on the model, examples include:
- fine grooves
- ring grip
- spiral textures
- nano-textures
- special millings
These textures can increase grip in the dartboard and reduce the risk of a dart falling out of the board.
However, the more aggressive the surface, the more the sisal can be strained when pulling out the dart.
Steel Dart Points with Finger Grip
Many players grip their dart very far forward and place a finger directly on the point.
For this throwing style, there are steel dart points with finger grip.
The texture is mainly in the rear area of the point close to the barrel. Grooves or other grip zones provide a clearly defined contact point for the finger.
This can help to more easily find the grip position with each throw.
Board grip and finger grip – what's the difference?
These two terms are often confused.
Board grip is mainly in the front area of the point and is intended to influence grip in the sisal.
Finger grip is further back towards the barrel and serves as a contact surface for a finger.
Some steel dart points combine both areas.
Players who do not position a finger on the point during their throw usually do not need a pronounced finger grip.
What length should a steel dart point have?
Steel dart points are available in numerous lengths. Typical variants range from relatively short points to very long points for special setups.
The optimal length depends on the barrel used and the personal throwing style.
Short Steel Dart Points
Short points create a compact setup. The barrel is closer to the dartboard.
They are particularly suitable for players who prefer a classic and compact dart feel.
Medium-Length Steel Dart Points
Medium point lengths are a good starting point for many players. They offer a balanced compromise between a compact setup and sufficient space between the barrels.
Long Steel Dart Points
Longer points ensure that the barrel is further away from the dartboard.
This can be particularly interesting for tight groupings. More space is created between the barrels, and subsequent darts can more easily find their way to the desired segment.
However, a longer point is not automatically better. It also changes the balance and overall feel of the dart.
Points with a smooth transition to the barrel
With classic dart points, a small edge often forms between the point and the barrel.
If a subsequent dart hits this edge precisely, it can be deflected.
Therefore, there are special steel dart points with a widened rear area that creates the smoothest possible transition to the barrel.
This design can:
- reduce deflections
- facilitate tighter groupings
- protect the transition between point and barrel
- ensure a particularly clean dart setup
Which variant actually finishes flush with the barrel, however, also depends on the diameter and shape of the barrel used.
Black, silver, and coated points
In addition to shape and length, steel dart points are available in various finishes and colors.
Particularly common are:
- Silver
- Black
- Gold
- other coated variants
Black or coated points can differ from highly polished silver points in terms of surface feel and grip in the board.
However, coatings wear off over time. This is normal with regular play and does not necessarily affect the function of the point.
When should I change steel dart points?
A high-quality steel dart point can be used for a very long time. Nevertheless, there are situations where a replacement is sensible.
Typical reasons are:
- point severely bent
- point damaged
- desired different point length
- more or less board grip desired
- additional finger grip needed
- visual change of the dart setup
However, a simply dulled point does not automatically need to be replaced.
Sharpening steel dart points
Classic steel dart points can be maintained with a dart point sharpening stone or point sharpener.
The point should not be sharpened needle-sharp. Often, it is sufficient to lightly roughen the surface and remove small imperfections.
A slightly roughened point can provide reliable grip in the sisal without unnecessarily stressing the board.
How are classic steel dart points changed?
To change pressed-in steel dart points, a dart repointer is usually required.
The general procedure:
- Fix the barrel in the repointer.
- Pull out the old steel dart point.
- Position the new point correctly.
- Press the new point into the barrel in a controlled manner.
- Check for secure fit.
Since relatively high forces can occur during a point change, a suitable repointer should always be used.
If you do not want to carry out the change yourself, you can also have the points changed by a specialist retailer.
Which steel dart point suits me?
The choice can primarily be made based on length and grip.
| Desire | Suitable variant |
| classic dart feel | smooth points |
| more grip in the dartboard | points with board grip |
| finger rests on the point | points with finger grip |
| as little board wear as possible | rather smooth or less aggressive surface |
| compact setup | shorter points |
| more space between the barrels | longer points |
| less pronounced edge to the barrel | points with a smooth transition |
There is no universally best steel dart point. The crucial factor is that the length, surface, and grip match your dart and throwing style.
Buy Steel Dart Points Online
Whether smooth steel dart points, points with board grip, dart points with finger grip, short or long points – at Diplomatgames you will find a large selection of classic steel dart points for pressing in.
Choose the appropriate length, surface, and grip structure and tailor your steel darts individually to your throwing style. With the right dart points, you can specifically adjust both the playing feel and the grip of your darts in the board to your personal preferences.
